My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 18: Comparing Anime and Manga Adaptations

My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 18 premiered on September 21, 2024, marking a pivotal moment as the heroes succumbed to despair with All for One finally treating the situation with seriousness. Nonetheless, Studio Bones excelled in delivering stunning animation and choreography, showcasing minimal notable improvisation throughout the episode.

The episode primarily focused on All for One, who was experiencing a bizarre rejuvenation every passing moment, alongside Gigantomachia, whose potential to shift the battle’s outcome was undercut by unexpected circumstances. Following Dabi, it seems the production team has also provided the young All for One with enhanced aesthetic character designs.

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Analyzing My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 18 in Context of the Chapters

My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 18: Gigantomachia Joins the Fray

All for One as illustrated in the anime (Image via Bones)

Titled “It’s a Small World,”My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18 adapts the remaining portion of chapter 382, along with chapters 283-284, and nearly the entirety of chapter 385. The episode opens with Toga grappling with her identity crisis, questioning her own existence and her inability to replicate anyone’s quirk apart from Uraraka’s and Twice’s.

The narrative then shifts to the main battlefield against All for One. Here, Tokoyami’s Dark Shadow holds the villain at bay. However, the demon lord pushes everyone aside and charges toward TomurAFO, only to be blindsided by Gigantomachia’s unexpected attack.

Gigantomachia as illustrated in the anime (Image via Bones)

The episode reveals that Gigantomachia is under the influence of Shinso’s quirk. Despite being controlled, his emotions throw him into a frenzy, causing him to rampage of his own volition.

A significant highlight of the episode pertains to Gigantomachia’s complex relationship with his master; All for One abandoned him after initially mentoring him. This dynamic intricately ties into the overarching war narrative, showcasing how All for One’s allies turning against him provides an advantageous twist for the heroes, acting as a form of retribution for the antagonist’s past sins.

My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 17: All for One Goes Berserk

Everyone attempting to restrain All for One (Image via Bones)

In this intense moment, the heroes – Tokoyami’s Dark Shadow, Mt. Lady’s quirk, and the distressed condition of Gigantomachia – unites their powers to push the demon lord down. However, as time progresses, Eri’s quirk further amplifies All for One’s powers, rejuvenating him and severely injuring both Gigantomachia and Mt. Lady.

Following this, Tokoyami’s Dark Shadow faces destruction, and in a desperate attempt to save him, Hawks loses his quirk to All for One. The villain mocks Hawks, highlighting his failure and framing himself as a sacrificial figure while implying that this defeat could cost the lives of others.

All for One absorbing Hawks' quirk (Image via Bones) — All for One absorbing Hawks’ quirk (Image via Bones)

The episode culminates with Hawks harboring hope for assistance, concluding with a reminiscent scene reflecting on the days of All Might, invoking nostalgia as the Symbol of Peace rushes to the aid of those in peril.

Another notable aspect of My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18 is All for One’s character design, which sparkles with a glowing essence, potentially reflecting his youthful regression. This creative decision might be intended to spotlight him during the final battle, reminiscent of his earlier confrontation with All Might back in season 3.

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